Explore the mystical island where marooned explorer Robinson Crusoe once lived. Hear the legends of pirates and treasure as you hike through deep forested ravines, cascading streams, and along jagged coastlines in this World Heritage Biosphere Reserve. Enjoy active excursions such as snorkeling, hiking, diving, horseback riding, fishing, by day. Return to the comfort of your Robinson Crusoe Island resort by night.
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
From Santiago fly to Robinson Crusoe Island, one of three main islands in the Juan Fernandez Archipelago about 600 km off Chile's coastline. Arriving late morning, drive along El Arenal beach keeping a look out for fur seals along the coastline. Pass by El Padre bay and continue towards Cumberland Bay, the location of your exclusive lodge, Robinson Crusoe Island resort, in time for your gourmet lunch featuring traditional dishes like lobster and golden crab. The afternoon is free today for you to explore the grounds and get acquainted with your new home.
Day 2: Selkirk Viewpoint & San Juan Bautista Village
Enjoy a buffet breakfast before setting out for your first excursion on the island. Start a fairly challenging five hour trek up to Selkirk Viewpoint (approx. 2.5 miles), where Alexander Selkirk looked out into the distance in search of a rescue ship. Alexander is said to have been the inspiration for the character of Robinson Crusoe in Daniel Defoe's famous novel Robinson Crusoe. He was reportedly abandoned by his captain on the uninhabited island after a dispute in 1704, and survived there for 4 years before being rescued. The spectacular views are a great reward for the hard effort, and you can see remains of a shack Alexander used to protect himself from the weather changes during long walks. Lunch is served in Mirador del Selkirk hostel.
This afternoon embark on a leisurely walk (approx. 1.5 miles) visiting the historical landmarks of San Juan Bautista Village, the only settlement on the island with just over 500 inhabitants. See the Patriotic Caves, the Santa Barbara Fort, and the remains of Acorazado Dresden, a German battleship sunk to avoid capture in 1915 in Cumberland Bay. Peruse the local artisan shops on the island before heading back to the lodge for dinner.
This morning you set out on a marine adventure! Observe the island's marine fauna and lobster fishing along the coastline. Sail around to see how this industry helps to feed those on the island. After lunch back at the hotel, you set out this afternoon for a snorkeling or scuba diving activity. Robinson Crusoe Island is world famous dive destination. Swim with fur seals and curious sea lions and explore beautiful underwater volcanic cliffs and caves. Amateurs are welcome to try diving, which is limited to a maximum depth of 15m and are run by qualified PADI instructors. Please let us know in advance if you want to dive.
After breakfast head out on horseback to the Plazolet del Yunque. The 1.5 mile trail winds through native forest that begins at the foot of the Cerro Yunque. After about three and a half hours, arrive to the Plazoleta del Yunque, the highest summit on the island. Here you will find the ruins of the Dresen crew members. Return to the hotel for lunch.
In the afternoon we walk to Centinela hill, walking through an endemic forest lined with luma (Chilean myrtle), cinnamon trees and naranjillos (similar to oranges). We return to the lodge for our final dinner on the island.
Day 5: Return Home
1 Breakfast
Return to Santiago today, or extend your stay for a few more nights.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Notes
Select a Date
Internal Flights offered Santiago - Robinson Crusoe on Tuesdays and Fridays only from October through March, and Fridays only April-Sept.
Initial deposit is $400, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
We were referred by a satisfied client and the booking of the trip was everything we wanted to do, and they listened to the types of hotels, sightseeing, etc. we wanted to do.
Jan S
2 months ago
Rapa Nui was on my bucket list for a long time so I worried that it would not meet my expectations. Our tour could not have been better. Our guide was knowledgeable and professional with an understanding of the island that made it come alive. I would and have recommended this trip to everyone that will listen.
elisa wright
2 months ago
Mary Curry is the BEST! I have worked with her for multiple family trips for over 10 years, and she is responsive, works within your preferences and budget, has great suggestions and has personal travel experience at many of the locations. We prefer active family vacations and Adventure Life and Mary Curry make sure that is what we get!
Heather Spanbauer
2 months ago
My tour operator was helpful. Unfortunately she was unable to get my single-supplement canceled. Not too many tours charge for that anymore and I almost canceled my trip because of that.
Joel
3 months ago
Excellent communication and coordination for our proposed trip. It couldn't have been smoother, and any question we did have was rapidly addressed. It has made the whole process nearly seamless.
